Analog Mixer Electromagnetic Modulation Without Digitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic signal modulation systems require digitization, leading to delays and high costs, and are not suitable for continuous modulation.

Innovation Solution

Analog mixer-based systems that combine incoming electromagnetic signals with a modulation signal without digitization, enabling continuous modulation and interference or communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digitization is used to modulate electromagnetic signals, then signal modification capability is improved, but system cost and processing delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal modification capabilityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/digital signal processing system with an optical-based analog modulation system. The optical modulator directly modulates the electromagnetic signal in the optical domain without requiring digitization, thereby eliminating processing delay while maintaining signal modification capability. This substitution of processing domains (from digital to optical analog) resolves the contradiction between adaptability and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If digitization is used to modulate electromagnetic signals, then signal modification capability is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal modification capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex digital signal processing hardware with a simpler optical modulation system. By performing modulation directly in the optical domain using an optical modulator driven by a digital-to-analog converter, the system achieves signal modification capability without requiring expensive digital signal processors, memory systems, and complex digital hardware, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If continuous modulation is required, then signal processing speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous modulation by maintaining a continuous optical carrier signal that is continuously modulated by the incoming electromagnetic signal through the optical modulator. The digital-to-analog converter continuously generates the modulation waveform, and the optical modulator continuously imprints this waveform onto the optical carrier, enabling uninterrupted real-time signal processing without requiring complex buffering or sampling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Faster and more cost-effective modulation with reduced power consumption, suitable for applications like radar interference and RFID tags.

Implementation Method 1

an analog mixer may be used to combine incoming electromagnetic signals with a modulation signal to produce an encoded electromagnetic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic mixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS20250239972A1Systems, methods, and devices for electromagnetic modulation

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 THE MITRE CORPORATION

AI summary

An electromagnetic modulation device may include a receiver configured to receive electromagnetic signals, a digital-to-analog converter configured to continuously generate a modulation signal, a mixer coupled to the receiver and the digital-to-analog converter and configured to encode the electromagnetic signals received by the receiver with the modulation signal generated by the digital-to-analog converter upon receipt of the electromagnetic signals by the receiver, and a transmitter coupled to the mixer and configured to transmit the encoded electromagnetic signals generated by the mixer.